If you’re fortunate sufficient to be going to Qatar for the World Cup in November, you might be most likely centered on occasion tickets, discovering the perfect accommodations and navigating the placement of these all vital “Fan Zones.” Nevertheless, Doha additionally has a number of different wonderful points of interest. Beneath are a few of my favorites:
For historical past and structure followers–The Nationwide Museum of Qatar
Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, Qatar’s Nationwide Museum of Historical past is a stunningly stunning constructing, designed to evoke the form of the desert rose. As soon as inside, guests can expertise quite a few interactive shows that specify Qatar’s historical past from prehistoric occasions to the trendy day. Quite a few movies are displayed all through the museum so as to add perspective to the historical past of Qatar and its folks. After a morning strolling by way of the museum, it is a superb concept to cease by Jiwan, the museum’s terrific restaurant the place you possibly can expertise a contemporary tackle Arabic classics. Some favorites embrace beef brief ribs, lamb shoulder with mint and fennel and Omani rock lobster with quinoa.
For journey seekers–A desert safari
Within the midst of the glowing skyscrapers, it could be straightforward to neglect that Doha sits in the course of the desert. Why not reap the benefits of that reality and e book a desert safari. Most of those half day excursions embrace a fast cease for a camel journey ( that may be a photo-op you need to have) after which proceed to the principle occasion. Your information will drive you thru the gorgeous dunes for an adrenaline-fueled journey, often known as dune bashing. Be ready for an nearly vertical drop and several other different methods. My favourite excursions finish at one of many Arabian Sea stops the place you possibly can cool off with a swim, adopted by and luxuriate in tea and snacks. In the event you actually love the desert, you may as well prepare an in a single day tenting journey.
For spa lovers–Zulal Wellness Resort
After an extended flight or a day watching a anxious soccer match, you might have to loosen up within the newly opened Zulal Wellness Resort. Positioned nearly an hour from Doha, Zulal is a spectacular retreat that blends conventional Arabic and Islamic drugs with a holistic philosophy developed by Thailand’s Chiva-Som. Zulal Serenity is the adult-only a part of the ability, however as an uncommon and welcome twist, Zulal additionally welcomes households in a separate part, Zulal Discovery. Guests can spend the day, however it’s preferrred to plan for just a few nights so you possibly can get pleasure from every thing the property has to supply. Actions vary from yoga to seashore volleyball and coverings embrace therapeutic massage, acupuncture and even a camel milk slimming physique masks. Eating is one other spotlight and meals give attention to wholesome consuming and native produce, all superbly offered.
For individuals who love to buy native–Souq Waqif
For a conventional buying and cultural expertise, Souq Waqif is a must-visit vacation spot. The most effective time to cease by is early night when households come out to benefit from the carnival-like environment full with small rides and quite a few ice-cream pop-ups. The Souq is the perfect place to select up native souvenirs and there are quite a few stalls promoting gold, fragrance, clothes and spices. The pet part has falcons, rabbits and birds and you may even decide up an Arabian horse. That is additionally the place to strive a number of the native delicacies in a extra informal environment. You may seize a samosa or a candy dumpling to eat on the go or sit down for a conventional rice dish of makjboos, a slow-cooked meat stew referred to as fahsa or take pleasure in a candy plate of baklava.